News & Updates in the Libraries

Archive for October, 2009

PubMed has a new interface that launched October 27, 2009. The functions are the same or improved, but there is a very different web page design. To access full-text articles licensed to Wayne State University, always use the PubMed@Wayne link on the Shiffman homepage. Look for the 360 link to Full Text.

Two memorial funds were recently created to further Lothar Spang’s commitment to the things that meant the most to him.

The School of Library and Information Science established the Lothar Spang Memorial Annual Scholarship in honor of the longtime librarian’s years of dedication and service to the university and Detroit community. The Spang fund will recognize scholastic achievement, encourage continued progress and provide assistance to students in financing their education in the SLIS.

The Lothar Spang Community Outreach and Engagement Tribute Fund will honor Lothar Spang’s demonstrated commitment to increase awareness and access to higher education for youth and their families in underserved and diverse communities.

To donate to either fund, make checks payable to Wayne State University with the memo portion indicating the appropriate fund. Mailed gifts should be sent to WSU Fund Office, 5475 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202. For more information, contact Marguerite Carlton, major gifts officer, at (313) 577-2822.

We forgive you! The Wayne State University Libraries are encouraging patrons to return their overdue books and other library materials without penalty or fine during an amnesty period to be held October 1 – November 15, 2009. Materials returned need to be in good condition.

“This program is particularly important in the current, difficult economic climate,” said Sandra Yee, dean of the Wayne State University Library System. “It is more cost effective for us to recover the materials than the fines and we want to encourage patrons to continue checking things out without fear.”

Overdue materials can be returned to any library location in person or by mail. The amnesty does not include any fines from previously returned or lost items.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What library materials qualify for the amnesty?
All overdue materials owned by the Wayne State University Library System that are still checked out and have a “Billed” status will qualify for the amnesty.

2. What is not covered by the amnesty?
Fines that were incurred for already returned or damaged items are not covered. Fines incurred during the amnesty period also do not qualify.

3. What about material borrowed through Interlibrary Loan?
Fees and fines incurred on materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan are not covered by the amnesty.

4. What about damaged materials?
We ask that you return any damage materials to the library, no matter what the condition of the item is. Upon return please bring damaged material to the attention of a circulation supervisor to discuss the most appropriate remedy. The WSU Library reserves the right to either waive all fees or fines associated with material or request a replacement copy. If it is agreed that you will replace damaged material with an appropriate copy all fees and fines will be waived.

5. How do I know if I qualify to take advantage of the amnesty?
You can check your account through your “My Library Account” on the Libraries’ home page. If any of your books have a “Billed” status with a DUE date prior to October 1st, 2009, then you qualify.

6. Can I return my items in the bookdrop when the library is closed?
Yes, as long as you return your overdue items during the amnesty period your fines will be cleared. You can return them in person or by mail. Go to library.wayne.edu to check the libraries’ hours.

7. When will my fines be cleared?
The fine is automatically cleared from your record when the item is checked in.

8. Will the library holds on my record also be cleared?
Library holds will be cleared as long as you do not have a fine of more than $50 unrelated to material(s) returned as a result of the amnesty.

The Drop In Computer Workshops are not currently being offered so they may be reassessed in order to better fit our users’ needs. Visit the Library System Web site for the latest news and updates: library.wayne.edu.

Find out about all the new things that the University Libraries have to offer this semester, including a new Web site, new subject guides and a new catalog interface. This presentation will be a general overview of how the University Libraries are enhancing services to better meet the needs of our faculty.

Medical students at the WSU School of Medicine can download Epocrates Essentials, the integrated drug, disease, and diagnostic reference including 5 Minutes Clinical Consult (5MCC), to their Blackberry handheld device. Epocrates Essentials is available on most handheld platforms, including iPhone, Palm, Windows Mobile/Pocket PC, and now Blackberry!

The Shiffman Medical Library has arranged a free trial of E-Anatomy for the WSU faculty and students. The institution-wide trial will run from Oct 9 to Oct 30, 2009.

E-Anatomy contains more than 1500 anotated medical images from normal CT and MR exams. The images cover the entire sectional anatomy of the human body. This online resource is very useful for teaching, self-study, or review. The multi-slice image series offer cross sectional views combined with interactive textual information and 3D models.

Help us evaluate this new resource by sending an email to askmed@wayne.edu. Feel free to forward it along to others who may be interested in. We would like to hear your comments by Oct 30, 2009.

The Wayne State Library System’s School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) recently established the Lothar Spang Memorial Annual Scholarship in honor of the longtime librarian’s years of dedication and service to the university and Detroit community.

The Spang Scholarship Fund will recognize scholastic achievement, encourage continued progress and provide assistance to students in financing their education in the SLIS.

Beginning his career at Wayne State in the early 1960s as a student assistant, Spang served as a librarian at Wayne State libraries until his death. He also taught classes in the School of Library and Information Science and served as a grievance coordinator and executive board member of the Wayne State University American Association of University Professors union.

To donate to the fund, make checks payable to: Wayne State University with the memo portion indicating the Lothar Spang Fund. Mailed gifts should be sent to WSU Fund Office, 5475 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202.

For more information, please contact Marguerite Carlton, major gifts officer, at (313) 577-2822.

Another fund in Lothar Spang’s name is currently being developed to benefit the Library System’s community outreach initiatives and will be announced later.